Egypt - Alexandria

And on to Northern Africa it was.  Thanks, Emirates, for a smooth ride over a volatile airspace into the exotic location of Cairo, Egypt, the largest city in the continent of Africa.

Met by an On the Go Tour staff member, it was an uneventful journey through immigration but another exhilarating ride through the African version of traffic.  Probably a bit more polite than the Chinese but still crazy!  Check out the Egyptian horse float!

First impression of Cairo is that it is like a mammoth archeological site.  Lots of rubble everywhere and rundown buildings, that people still live in.  

There are many different areas of Cairo depicting the social economic lifestyles of the Egyptian people.  Unlike the Asian countries, it was noticeable that there was rubbish everywhere, especially in the poorer areas of the city.  It is actually an occupation of some Egyptian families to sort through the garbage to look for any food, clothing or ‘treasures’ that they could use.  Watching that definitely makes you appreciate your own lifestyle.

The main thing to know about this fascinating country is that throughout history, Egypt was invaded and conquered by numerous foreign powers, so their culture has many different international flavours intertwined in it.  In chronological order Hyksos, Kushites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and then the Arabs put an end to the millennium-long Greco-Roman period. 

This varied culture was evident in our first excursion to the ancient city of Alexandria on a private tour with two young lovebirds from London (recently engaged) and Aymen, a local tour guide who has an extensive knowledge on Egyptian culture and history.  The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331BC, nearly 1400 years older than Cairo, and it has evolved into a thriving metropolis of 5.6 million with a reputation of being one of the most cultured cities in the world that still has some iconic historical sites to visit.

1.      Qaitbay Citadel – a defensive limestone fort, built in the 14^th century on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, over the ruins of one of the great ancient wonders, Alexandria Lighthouse that had toppled over in an earthquake.  As it was built in a strategic location, it drew the attention of many rulers over the years and has actually been rebuilt many times.

2.      Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – largest Roman burial site in Egypt where there is evidence of both Roman and Greek mythology for a man, his wife and child.

3.      Pompey’s Pillar – was not actually erected for Pompey the Great but to commemorate Roman Emperor Diocletian’s victory around 298-302AD.  It is more of a reminder of the city’s Roman past and the interaction between Roman and Egyptian cultures.

4.      Ancient Roman Amphitheatre – a 4^th century landmark that was used for close to 300 years falling into ruin after the Islamic conquest.

5.      Library of Alexandria – the new one as the original one was accidentally burnt down during Julius Caesar’s siege of the city in 48BC, and many historical records were destroyed.  We didn’t venture in, but it has the biggest reading area in the world, apparently.

We were also treated to a yummy seafood lunch looking out onto the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea before making the 3 hour trek back to Cairo on the new motorway, which is only 3 years old.